# base over apex

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/base-over-apex
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Falling over in a jumbled heap.

## Examples

- He slipped and went base over apex down the stairs.
- The cyclist hit the curb and went base over apex into the hedge.
- Startled by the sudden noise, the old man toppled backward, going base over apex in a flurry of coat-tails and limbs.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.